(Net-) zero-emission buildings: a typology of terms and definitions

Several different definitions of ‘net-zero’ or ‘climate-neutral’ buildings have arisen and are causing confusion. Different approaches quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of buildings over their life-cycle. A typology is proposed based on distinctions between absolute and net-zero-emission buildings in relation to operational and full life-cycle approaches. Besides the absolute zero-emission approach, three different net-zero-emission approaches are: (1) a net-balance approach, which includes credits caused by potentially avoided emissions beyond the system boundary provided by exported energy; (2) an offsetting approach, based on the purchase of CO2 certificates; and (3) a technical approach, based on negative-emission technologies. The declaration of the approach chosen will provide clarity when discussing (net/absolute)-zero emission or climate-neutral buildings

Assessing Resource Efficiency of City Neighbourhoods: A Methodological Framework for Structuring and Practical Application of Indicators in Urban Planning

Today, changing framework conditions of living and working in cities drive urban planning processes for refurbishment, notably at the level of neighbourhoods, and provide a window of opportunity to enhance resource efficiency and sustainable urban development. Indicators, as part of sustainability assessment methods, may support the identification of the most beneficial planning alternatives or the selection of measures. However, the fact that a multitude of indicators are proposed in the literature discourages their actual use and hampers a sound application for decision support. To tackle these challenges, a manual has been developed proposing a framework for the use of indicators in urban planning. In this contribution, the theoretical foundations of the proposed framework are analysed. A conceptual outline of the framework is presented, which as its core has a typology of indicators, and its embedding in urban planning processes is discussed. The framework combines a theoretically concise unifying structure with a flexible practical approach for application in diverse areas of resource efficiency. Thus, it shall enhance transparency as well as comparability in the use of indicators, foster communication between stakeholders and in the long run support the application of indicators and use of sustainability assessment methods as regular parts of urban planning

The level of knowledge, use and acceptance of LCA among designers in Germany: A contribution to IEA EBC Annex 72

Architects and engineers have become more concerned about the environmental consequences of their design solutions. Knowledge about Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is crucial for the necessary building sector decarbonisation, as well as for mitigating other negative environmental impacts. In Germany, designers\u27 attitudes towards LCA have not been analysed since 2005. However, since then, certain developments – such as the establishment of the sustainability assessment systems BNB and DGNB – have taken place. In 2019, as part of the project IEA EBC Annex 72, a survey was conducted amongst designers in Germany. The paper presents the current status to identify the progress being made since 2005 and provides recommendations to overcome barriers to LCA dissemination. The results show that although German designers are currently doing a lot with regard to environmental performance assessment, the most critical aspects are considered in a more qualitative way, except for the mandatory operational energy performance calculations. LCA-know-how and application still lags behind expectation. To support an increased use of LCA during building design, not only the provision of related data and design/assessment tools is necessary, but also the establishment of standards and regulations. The latter will drive the also necessary client demand